What is the GRE Subject Test in Psychology?

What is the GRE Subject Test in Psychology? Kristen
2015-06-13T14:48:57+00:00

In addition to the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General test, many graduate psychology programs require students to submit their scores from the GRE Subject test in Psychology. This is a standardized test that has been designed to qualify a students overall comprehension of the field of psychology.

What Kind of Material Is Covered on the GRE Subject Test?

The GRE Psychology Subject Test provides two sub-scores as well as a total score. While the test offers two sub-scores, there are three distinct content categories:

Experimental or natural science questions – These questions make up about 40 percent of the test, and measure topics such as learning, language, memory, thinking, sensation and perception, and physiological psychology/behavioral neuroscience. These questions scores are reflected in both the experimental psychology sub-score as well as the total score.

Social or social science questions – These questions make up approximately 43 percent of the test. Students are asked to demonstrate their understand of the fields of clinical and abnormal psychology, lifespan development, personality and social psychology. These questions scores are reflected in both the social psychology sub-score as well as the total score.

General questions – These questions make up about 17 percent of the test and include topics such as the history of psychology, applied psychology, psychometrics, research design and statistics. These responses contribute to the total score only.

How Do I Prepare for the GRE Subject Test in Psychology?

There are a variety of agencies and services that offer in person or online training courses to help improve test scores. There are also computer programs, apps and books that can be very helpful to students who want to be prepared for this test. Educational Testing Service (ETS), who creates and offers the test offers a number of test prep options on their website.

How Much Does the GRE Subject Test in Psychology Cost?

The GRE Subject Test in Psychology costs $150 each time a student completes the test.

In What Format is the GRE Subject Test in Psychology Delivered?

Subject Tests are offered at paper-delivered test centers throughout the country up to three times a year in September, October and April. Students can register for a Subject Test online or by mail. Students who register for this Subject Test are then allowed to download the free practice book for the psychology Subject. Students have the ability of taking the Psychology Subject Test as often as it is offered.

While not all schools require a student to complete the GRE Subject Test in Psychology, there are a number that do. For any students who plans to pursue a Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree in Psychology, completing this test at least once is a good idea as at least one program being applied to will likely require it. Students who plan to pursue a graduate degree in psychology will benefit from completing the GRE Subject Test in Psychology.